Association between viral hepatitis B infection and halitosis

Abstract

Objective. Oral malodor can be increased in breath of liver patients. However, no study has been performed for the association between volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and viral hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between viral hepatitis and VSCs. Methods. This study analyzed 182 subjects and measured hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH) and dimethyl sulfide [(CH₃)₂S] using the OralChroma®. Hepatitis type B was evaluated. Periodontal health was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Tongue coating score (TCS) was evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship. Results. Viral hepatitis had an elevated odds of dimethyl sulfide defined halitosis (OR = 9.22, 95% CI = 2.08–40.95) after controlling for age, gender, alcohol consumption, current smoking, periodontitis, BOP, TCS and tongue brushing habit. The magnitude of the association between viral hepatitis and VSCs defined halitosis attenuated with adjustment of mediators (alcohol consumption, periodontitis, BOP, TCS and tongue brushing habit for hydrogen sulfide defined halitosis; periodontitis, TCS and tongue brushing habit for methyl mercaptan defined halitosis; tongue brushing habit for dimethyl sulfide defined halitosis). Conclusions. Findings of this study suggest that viral hepatitis may be associated with methyl mercaptan defined halitosis.

Key Words::

• Gingivitis
• halitosis
• oral hygiene
• periodontal disease
• viral hepatitis

Acknowledgment

The authors want to express their gratitude to all of the study participants. All authors have made substantive contribution to this study and/or manuscript and all have reviewed the final paper prior to its submission.

Declaration of interest: All authors have made substantive contribution to this study and/or manuscript and all have reviewed the final paper prior to its submission. The authors report no conflicts of interest.